EP3482409A2

EP3482409A2 - Operating module for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3482409A2
Application number: EP17736930.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joachim Korherr
Original assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Current assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Priority date: 2016-07-05
Filing date: 2017-07-05
Publication date: 2019-05-15
Also published as: US20190323598A1; WO2018007438A2; DE102016112277A1; WO2018007438A3; CN109478477B; CN109478477A

Abstract

Described is an operating module (10) intended for a motor vehicle and comprising an electric switch, in particular for changing drive mode in an automatic motor vehicle transmission. The switch comprises a first, manually actuatable lever (14), a second lever, and an electrical switching element (12). When actuated, the first lever (14) acts on the electrical switching element (12) by way of the second lever. The second lever is a leaf spring (16) with a fixedly clamped end (18) and a free end (20). When the first lever (14) is actuated, the leaf spring is deformed in such a way that it is at least partially shifted in the direction of the switching element (12).

Description

Operating module for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to an operating assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising an electrical switch, in particular for changing driving stages of an automatic motor vehicle transmission, wherein the switch comprises a first, manually operable lever, a second lever and an electrical switching element and wherein the first lever in its actuated state acts on the electrical switching element via the second lever.

Control modules with electrical switches are widely used in the field of motor vehicles. These are usually used to operate a radio, a navigation system and / or an on-board computer.

Another field of application of the control modules and the associated electrical switch is the operation of motor vehicle transmissions. In this case, the electrical switches are preferably used in connection with automatic motor vehicle transmissions. A driver can then manually change or select speeds of the automatic motor vehicle transmission via an electrical switch. When such electrical switches for changing gears of an automatic motor vehicle transmission are part of a steering wheel assembly, they are often referred to as Schaltpaddel. The driver does not have to take his hands off the steering wheel for switching, so that he can safely maneuver the vehicle even during the operation of an electric switch.

Also, control assemblies with electrical switches are known, which are used in Schaltstufenwählelementen which are arranged in the center console of a motor vehicle. An operating module of the type mentioned is known for example from DE 10 2012 014 019 A1. This control module has become larger It is important to note that the actuation path of a shift paddle is short and at the same time a fast and safe change of gears is possible.

Another control assembly, which is implemented with a Schaltpaddel is known from US 2014/0000404 A1. In known control modules electrical switching elements are used, the mechanical, z. B. over lever operated. Such switching elements are usually sensitive to mechanical overloads. Such an overload may arise, for example, when a switching element is operated with too large a force or when an actuating travel of a switching element actuating lever is too large. Then, moving parts of the switching element are inadvertently brought into contact with fixed parts of the switching element. One speaks here of "Overtravel" of the actuating lever.

By such overloading of the switching element whose function can be disturbed and / or its life can be shortened. Therefore, in the prior art, the components of control modules of the type mentioned above are always manufactured while maintaining low tolerances. In particular, the switching element actuating lever are manufactured with small tolerances to allow a durable and reliable operation of the switching element. If a switching element is actuated by a plurality of levers, a tolerance chain is created. In this case, it is necessary to tune the sum of the tolerances so that the switching element is not impaired in its function.

On the other hand, with control assemblies of the type mentioned in the endeavor to build them as simple as possible and inexpensive to manufacture. Obviously there is a conflict of objectives with regard to compliance with small tolerances.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an operating assembly of the type mentioned, which is simple and reliable. At the same time the control module should be inexpensive to produce. In particular, an electrical switching element should be protected from overloading, z. As "Overtravel", be effectively protected. The object is achieved by an operating assembly of the type mentioned, in which the second lever is a leaf spring with a firmly clamped end and a free end and actuation of the first lever, the leaf spring deformed such that it is at least partially displaced in the direction of the switching element , The leaf spring thus actuates the switching element. In this case, the switching element may be any electrical component, in particular a micro-switch. The switching element can, for. B. be arranged on a circuit board. The control module is therefore simple.

Preferably, the at least partially shift the leaf spring is limited by a stop. Thus, it is avoided that the leaf spring exerts too much force on the electrical switching element or acts with an excessive actuation travel to the switching element. The electrical switching element is thus protected against overloads, in particular in front of the "overtravel." This results in an increased service life of the electrical switching element and thus of the entire control module. Thus, they are inexpensive to produce.

In one embodiment, the stop is arranged in the direction of the extent of the leaf spring between the switching element and the free end of the leaf spring. In other words, the switching element is located between the stop and the firmly clamped end of the leaf spring. Thus, the switching element is arranged in a protected position. In addition, the control module is so very compact.

Advantageously, a point of application of the first lever to the leaf spring between the stop and the free end of the leaf spring is arranged. With regard to the switching element so the point of attack is on the opposite side of the stop. Thus, the switching element is effectively protected against overloading.

According to a design variant, the stop is fastened to a carrier element of the switch and is preferably designed in one piece with the carrier element. The carrier element can be for example a plastic part, which is preferably produced by means of the injection molding process. Thus, the Reduces the number of components of the control module and thus simplifies their structure.

Preferably, the stop is a projection on the support element. The attack can be z. B. be a wall or post-shaped projection. According to one embodiment, the leaf spring comprises a stiffened portion, which preferably faces the switching element. The stiffened portion is stiff compared to the other portions of the leaf spring. This means that, when the leaf spring is acted upon, the other sections of the leaf spring first deform with a force. The stiffened portion can thus be moved in a defined manner and, in particular, interact with the electrical switching element in a defined manner. In addition, a bulging of the leaf spring is avoided in the region of the stiffened portion. The stiffened portion is preferably between the tightly clamped end of the leaf spring and the stop. Thus, it is opposite to the switching element and the switching element is actuated by the stiffened portion. Thus, an overload of the switching element is effectively avoided. The stiffened portion can be realized, for example, by a material thickening or by a material deformation.

The stiffened portion may include a tab which is angled about a substantially along the extension of the leaf spring oriented bending line, preferably angled substantially at right angles. In this case, the tab is preferably angled on the side opposite to the switching element. By processing an increased bending stiffness of the leaf spring is ensured in the stiffened section. At a bend of 90 °, a particularly high flexural rigidity is achieved. The tab can also be z. B. 180 °, so that the stiffened portion of the leaf spring is formed in two layers.

An embodiment provides that the leaf spring acts on the first lever with a restoring force in the direction of its unactuated state. The restoring force results from an elastic deformation of the leaf spring in conjunction with the fixed clamping of one end of the leaf spring. It is thus biased the entire control module in an unactuated state. According to a design alternative, the switching element is arranged in the direction of the extension of the leaf spring between the fixed clamped end and the free end of the leaf spring, wherein the switching element is preferably arranged closer to the fixedly clamped end. This results in a compact design of the control module.

Further, the first lever and the switching element may be disposed on opposite sides of the leaf spring. Thus, only a relatively small space is claimed.

In a variant, the switching element is a micro-switch. According to one embodiment, the first lever is a shift paddle, which can preferably be arranged on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the first lever may also be a lever of another application, for example a control device for a radio, a navigation system or an on-board computer. Also, the first lever may be an intermediate lever of one of the applications mentioned.

In a design alternative, the first lever is a shift stage selection element, which can preferably be arranged in a center console of a motor vehicle. Also, the first lever may be a lever of another application, for. B. a radio, a navigation system or an on-board computer. The invention is explained below with reference to various embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows schematically a first embodiment of an operating module according to the invention in an unactuated state,

FIG. 2 schematically shows the first embodiment of the control assembly according to the invention from FIG. 1 in an actuated state and FIG

- Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of an operating module according to the invention in a perspective, sectional view. 1 shows an operating assembly 10, in which an electrical switching element 12, in the illustrated embodiment, a micro-switch, via a first lever 14 and a second lever is actuated. The second lever is a leaf spring 16 which includes a fixedly clamped end 18 and a free end 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first lever 14 on a Schaltstufenwählelement z. B. is arranged in a center console of a motor vehicle, or on a switching paddle, which is arranged on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, be formed. The leaf spring 16 extends along a direction indicated by an arrow 21.

The electrical switching element 12 is mounted in a support member 22 in which the fixedly clamped end 18 of the leaf spring 16 is mounted.

In addition, a stop 24 is arranged on the carrier element 22. This is integrally connected to the carrier element 22 and designed as a supernatant. The stop 24 serves to limit a displacement travel of the leaf spring 16 in the direction of the electrical switching element 12.

Along the direction shown by the arrow 21, in which the leaf spring 16 extends, the components of the control assembly 10 starting from the clamped end 18 of the leaf spring 16 are arranged as follows: clamped end 18 of the leaf spring 16, switching element 12, stop 24, free end 20th the leaf spring 16.

In this case, the electrical switching element 12 is closer to the firmly clamped end 18 as the free end 20 of the leaf spring 16th

The first lever 14 engages at a point 26 between the stop 24 and the free end 20 on the leaf spring 16. In addition, the first lever 14 and the switching element 12 are disposed on opposite sides of the leaf spring 16. That portion of the leaf spring 16 which is opposite to the switching element 12, ie between the fixedly clamped end 18 and the stop 24th is arranged, is designed as a stiffened portion 27. It is stiffer than the remaining portions of the leaf spring 16 and thus less easily deformed.

In Figure 1, the control module 10 is shown in the unactuated state, d. h., That the leaf spring 16, the switching element 12 is not actuated. Between the stop 24 and the leaf spring 16, a distance is then available. The mode of operation of the operating module 10 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

For actuating the operating assembly 10, the first lever 14 is operated manually. This shifts in the illustrated embodiment in the clockwise direction and acts on the point 26, the leaf spring 16 with an actuating force.

As a result, the leaf spring 16 deforms elastically, wherein the stiffened portion 27 is not deformed substantially, but only the remaining portions of the leaf spring 16. By the partial deformation of the leaf spring 16, in particular the portion around the firmly clamped end 18, the Leaf spring 16 partially shifted in the direction of the switching element 12. In particular, the displacement of the stiffened section 27 in the direction of the switching element 12 is important. Once the stiffened portion 27 is displaced sufficiently far in the direction of the switching element 12, he actuates this.

In a further displacement, the leaf spring 16 abuts the stop 24, so that a further displacement of the stiffened portion 27 is blocked. As a result, the switching element 12 is protected from overloading. If the first lever 14 further actuated and thus the leaf spring 16 further applied to the point 26 with a force, only deformed the portion of the leaf spring 16 between the free end 20 and the stop 24th

The leaf spring 16 is only elastically deformed at any time.

If the first lever 14 is no longer manually operated, it also exerts no more actuating force on the leaf spring 16. Then the leaf spring deforms 16 elastically return to their unactuated state. It exerts a restoring force on the first lever 14, so that it is also returned to its unactuated state.

After these restoring movements, the entire operating assembly 10 is again in the unactuated state.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the operating module 10. In the following, only the differences to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 will be discussed.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the first lever 14 is connected to a Schaltstufenwählelement z. B. is arranged in a center console of a motor vehicle, or on a shift paddle, which is arranged on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle formed.

The stiffened portion 27 of the leaf spring 16 includes an angled tab 28, wherein the tab 28 angled substantially at 90 ° relative to the rest of the leaf spring 16 and the bend is made along a bending line, which is substantially along the direction shown by the arrow 21 of Extension of the leaf spring 16 extends.

By the angled tab 28, the flexural rigidity of the stiffened portion 27 is increased compared to the other portions of the leaf spring 16. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the switching element 12 is arranged on an electrical circuit board 30 (PCB). The printed circuit board 30 is mounted on the carrier element 22.

The leaf spring 16 also has in the region in which it is firmly clamped in the carrier element 22, via an incision 32. Through this, the support member 22 and the leaf spring 16 are positively connected. Thus, the leaf spring can be precisely positioned on the support member 22. At the same time, the connection is insensitive to shocks.

The incision 32 can also be used to adjust the local bending stiffness of the leaf spring 16. A larger incision, ie an incision, in a transverse direction of the leaf spring 16 which is perpendicular to the arrow 21 extending direction shown, is deeper, thereby causing a lower local bending stiffness.

In addition, the firmly clamped end 18 of the leaf spring 16 in the embodiment of Figure 3 is provided with an angled portion 34. As a result, the contact surface of the leaf spring 16 on the carrier element 22 is increased. Thus, a larger abutment for applied by the first lever 14 on the leaf spring 16 actuating forces.

The bend 34 can also serve to position the leaf spring 16 on the carrier element 22. Thus, the assembly of the leaf spring 16 is facilitated. The actuation and resetting of the operating module 10 according to FIG. 3 takes place analogously to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Claims

claims

1 . Control assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising an electric switch, in particular for changing driving stages of an automatic motor vehicle transmission, wherein the switch comprises a first, manually operable lever (14), a second lever and an electrical switching element (12) and the first Lever (14) acts in its actuated state via the second lever on the electrical switching element (12), characterized in that the second lever is a leaf spring (16) having a firmly clamped end (18) and a free end (20) and an actuation of the first lever (14), the leaf spring (16) deformed such that it is at least partially displaced in the direction of the switching element (12).

Second control module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least partially displacement of the leaf spring (16) by a stop (24) is limited.

3. Control assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the stop (24) seen in the direction of extension of the leaf spring (16) between the switching element (12) and the free end (20) of the leaf spring (16) is arranged.

4. control assembly (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a point (26) of the first lever (14) on the

Leaf spring (16) between the stop (24) and the free end (20) of the leaf spring (16) is arranged.

5. Control assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the stop (24) on a support element (22) of the switch is fixed and preferably in one piece with the carrier element (22) is executed.

6. operating module (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the stop (24) is a projection on the carrier element (22).

7. operating module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (16) comprises a stiffened portion (27), which preferably faces the switching element (12).

8. control assembly (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the stiffened portion (27) comprises a tab (28) which is angled approximately to a substantially along the extension of the leaf spring oriented bending line, preferably angled substantially at right angles is.

9. control assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaf spring (16) acts on the first lever (14) with a restoring force in the direction of its unactuated state.

10. control assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element (12) in the direction of

Extension of the leaf spring (16) seen between the fixed clamped end (18) and the free end (20) of the leaf spring (16) is arranged, wherein the switching element (12) is preferably arranged closer to the fixedly clamped end (18).

1 1. Control assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lever (14) and the switching element (12) on opposite sides of the leaf spring (16) are arranged.

12. Operating module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching element (12) is a micro-switch.

13, control assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lever (14) is a switching paddle, which is preferably arranged on a steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

14. operating module (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first lever (14) is a Schaltstufenwählelement, which is preferably arranged in a center console of a motor vehicle.